The summer of 1997 saw Phish travel back to Europe for a series of shows after having just been there a few months earlier. The entirety of 1997 saw Phish at their peak and the two Amsterdam shows on July first and second produced some of the most beloved from that period, with this show being my personal favorite from the three total shows played there in 1997 (also February, 17). This was when their jamming saw all four members completely in sync with each other, making for some awe inspiring and moving musical landscapes. The July 1 Amsterdam show gave us some of the best versions of many of their most popular songs and is at the top of many phans list of go to shows.
The very first song is a whomping “Ghost” that lasts 22 minutes and paves a path for Mike Gordon to absolutely ravage our souls. I love any 97′ “Ghost” with the way he played it slap style, with Paige sprinkling in those funky synthesizer riffs overtop. This Ghost picks up steam as it continues and has each member taking the lead at some point. Set 1 also sees a classic 97′ funky “Ya Mar” and a “Limb by Limb” with both a beautiful full ablaze Trey, as well as an ambient Trey. I love the chorus to that song with the harmonizing of vocals from every member; its even better when they really get a good jam on it. Set 1 also produces one of my favorite “Reba” versions from any time period in Phistory. This one mainly consists of Trey leading us on an adventure on an up and down roller coaster with the jam starting out very mellow and soothing, only to finish off with some amazing emotional guitar peaking that we love him so much for. I’m gay for Trey.
Set 2 sees a “Timber” that gets very psychedelic at times and a “Bathtub Gin” that doesn’t stick out from other late 90’s gins, but still a good gin nonetheless. The highlight in set 2 lies in “Cities”. “Cities” is a Talking Heads cover that has been on Phish’s repertoire since their beginning with this one taking it to another level. It starts from an unfinished “Bathtub Gin” very very slowly and maturely. It takes them about a minute before the crowd gives a “woo” after realizing what song it even is. This “Cities” continues for another 23 minutes and showcases some of the musical talent this band possesses and had been discovering they were capable of throughout 97′. I Like to refer to this version as the “Scary Jam”, as it seems fitting for a scene in a movie where a character may be losing his mind or seeing things in the dark. It feels like it belongs in a David Lynch film where you can’t tell reality from dreams. About 18 minutes in Trey teases a creepy “When The Saints Come Marching In” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” which leads into the groovy end that quickly snaps you out of a nightmare and places you back in funk land. The end of the show doesn’t finish as strong as it started with an always enjoyable “Loving Cup” and “Slave To The Traffic Light” to end the set.
Another show that will live on in infamy for those of us that follow this band so intimately. It gives us jams that send shrills down your spine and jams that set an endless smile upon your face. Any Phish is great, but 1997 Phish is the best Phish.
Rating: 9.9/10
Setlist: (phish.net)
Set 1: Ghost[1], Horn, Ya Mar[1], Limb By Limb -> Ain’t Love Funny, Saw It Again[1], Dirt, Reba, Dogs Stole Things
Set 2: Jam[2] -> Timber Ho! > Bathtub Gin -> Cities > Jam[1], Loving Cup > Slave to the Traffic Light
Encore: When the Circus Comes
[1] “Worm” banter.
[2] The second set began with a Fish piano solo that evolved into a jam, as the rest of the band eventually joined the stage and Fish moved to his drum kit.
Colors In The Void 
Leave a comment